MML Review Magazine Spring 2026

“ People want to be involved, but we need to bring our language to a certain level where everyone can understand how things operate, ”

In fall 2025, Harbormaster Mike Singleton leads members of the Elk Rapids Citizens Academy on a tour of the Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor to learn about harbor operations.

At the time of the Academy’s launch, several hot-button issues were gathering energy in the village. One involved the historic Elk Rapids Town Hall, a Township-owned building located within village limits. The Township sought to sell the property and pro posed rezoning it to increase its value. Used for performances and gatherings, the building is a beloved community space. When the rezoning request came before the Village Council, “that brought people out in droves,” recalls Moskovitz. “There was confusion among residents about what the rezoning pro cess is: What can be rezoned? What can't be rezoned?” Another issue involved aging dams along the Chain of Lakes in Antrim County. The need for repairs raised the possibility of special assessment districts spanning Antrim, Charlevoix, and Grand Traverse Counties. “I asked Leslie Meyers, the Drain Commissioner, to come out and speak on that,” says Mosko vitz. “We also did a tour of the hydroelectric plant that wasn't included in the original plan.” Antrim County had recently passed a bond for a new public safety center, but some residents remained skeptical about the need. The county sheriff participated in a Citizens Academy session, later hosting a tour of the existing facility as part of an additional, “bonus” session. “I was listening to the residents and they were saying, ‘Oh my gosh, I'm so glad we voted yes for this. I can totally see the need.’ Again, the big thing is people just want to know the why .” The Citizens Academy created space to unpack all these issues and more. Cohort members completed surveys and took quizzes to evaluate the sessions, with tricky subjects revisited as necessary. It also served as a recruitment tool: “Throughout these sessions, I would sprinkle in, ‘Hey, if you're interested in helping out, these are commissions that we have open spots for—I'd be happy to connect you with the board or commission chair.’” "At the end, one of [the Academy participants] came up to me and said, ‘Wow, I thought I knew a lot about this government, but there's a lot more that I didn't know,’” recalls Moskovitz. “People want to know the why behind things. They get frustrated because they don't know what the process is behind getting an application or a permit approved; why do the rates go up; why certain things happen within municipalities. I just think they wanted someone to listen to them, take their concerns seriously, help them understand what they’re asking about.”

The Elk Rapids Citizen Academy had the additional benefit of driving a sense of belonging and ownership among residents. “I watched these people over six weeks become friends, start hanging out,” says Moskovitz. “There were multiple layers to this: It was explaining the why, it was creating connection, but then it was also getting people motivated to join and volunteer for the Village.” Two members of the cohort ultimately applied for and now serve on Village boards. “I'm just thankful that residents have that curiosity, wanting to learn more about how their town operates and how they want to get involved in everything,” says Moskovitz. “Municipalities can't function without our residents, and I think that this pro gram is a great way to make that bridge.” Leah Moskovitz is pursuing a postgraduate degree looking at citizens academies and is happy to talk to interested local officials. Leah can be reached at leahmoskovitz@gmail.com. Emily Pinsuwan is a content writer for the League. You may contact Emily at 734-669-6320 or epinsuwan@mml.org.

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